Auto show spotlights growing fuel-saving options

About 20 percent of vehicles don't run on gasoline alone

As the Kansas City Auto Show opens its doors, visitors will see more automakers trying to appeal to people looking for fuel-efficient vehicles.

Of the roughly 500 vehicles on display at Bartle Hall through the weekend, about 20 percent don't run on standard gasoline alone.

"If we sat here and talked about this five years ago, there might be one or two or three cars here that met what you are talking about," said James Bell of General Motors. "Now every manufacturer has two or three models that are providing that option."

Electrification is providing more cost-efficient alternatives for drivers and sticker prices have come down substantially. Some full electric vehicles start at about $25,000 and have decent driving ranges.

"About 100 miles of range on a charge," said Bell. "The average American drives about 30 miles a day nationwide."

Government rebates can help save up to $7,500 on those sticker prices.

As automakers continue to push production of electric and hybrid vehicles, experts said what we are seeing now is only the beginning.

"I kind of like to say we are at the second batter of the first inning of a baseball game here," Bell said. "This is just starting."